Water mat play apparatus

ABSTRACT

A children&#39;s play apparatus includes a sealed enclosure surrounding an internal chamber configured to contain a quantity of liquid therein, the sealed enclosure incorporating at least one stationary design element, and also including at least one mobile element positioned within the internal chamber and configured to float within the quantity of liquid. The apparatus may be configured to attach to a play mat of a children&#39;s play gym, and in some forms, the apparatus has a convex front edge profile and a concave back edge profile configured to fit in a tray of a highchair.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/148,506 filed Feb. 11, 2021, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of children's toys and educational play and entertainment accessories, and more particularly to a water mat play apparatus configured for use independently, in connection with a play gym or play mat, and/or with a tray of a highchair.

BACKGROUND

Children at various stages of development learn through play activities and engagement with their surroundings. Toys and play accessories can enhance children's play and learning experiences. It is to the provision of new and improved toys and accessories for children's play, education, and entertainment, meeting these and other needs that the present disclosure is primarily directed.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to new and improved toys and accessories for children's play, education, and entertainment. Particular embodiments of the disclosure relate to a children's play accessory including a water mat apparatus configured for use independently or interchangeably in connection with a play gym or play mat, and/or with a tray of a highchair. Toys and accessories according to example embodiments of the disclosure may foster curiosity and learning and provide sensory experiences that promote brain development. For example, water mats are a unique way for a baby to experience the sensation of water play in a safe, mess-free environment. In further example embodiments, toys and accessories according to the present disclosure may introduce or enhance cause-and-effect learning as a baby or child pushes on or otherwise interacts with the mat and watches objects within the mat move around, as well as other play activities.

In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a children's play apparatus including a sealed enclosure surrounding an internal chamber configured to contain a quantity of liquid therein, the sealed enclosure incorporating at least one stationary design element. The apparatus preferably also includes at least one mobile element positioned within the internal chamber and configured to move relative to the sealed enclosure in response to interaction by a child playing with the play apparatus.

In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a children's play apparatus having a generally convexly curved front edge profile and a generally concavely curved back edge profile configured to fit in conformance with a tray of a highchair, and further including means for attachment to a play mat.

In still another aspect, the disclosure relates to a children's play apparatus including a sealed enclosure surrounding an internal chamber configured to contain a quantity of liquid therein. The sealed enclosure preferably incorporates at least one stationary design element and has a generally convexly curved front edge profile and a generally concavely curved back edge profile. The sealed enclosure preferably also includes first detachable coupling means. The apparatus preferably also includes at least one mobile element positioned within the internal chamber and configured to float within the quantity of liquid in the internal chamber. The apparatus preferably also includes a play mat configured to support the sealed enclosure thereon, and having second detachable coupling means cooperative with the first detachable coupling means for removably coupling the sealed enclosure to the play mat. The apparatus preferably also includes at least one elevated support structure for supporting at least one suspended entertainment element above the play mat.

These and other aspects, features and advantages of the disclosure will be understood with reference to the drawing figures and detailed description herein, and will be realized by means of the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following brief description of the drawings and detailed description of example embodiments are explanatory of example embodiments, and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a children's activity gym and play mat including a water mat play apparatus or toy, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, in one example mode of use.

FIG. 2A is a top view of a water mat play apparatus, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B is a side view of the water mat play apparatus, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2C is a bottom view of the water mat play apparatus, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2D is a partial cross-sectional view of the water mat play apparatus, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a water mat play apparatus, according to another example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a children's activity gym and play mat including a water mat play apparatus, shown disassembled and packaged, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a water mat play apparatus, used in connection with a tray of a children's highchair, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, in another example mode of use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of example embodiments taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patents and other publications identified in this specification are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.

Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 shows a children's activity gym 10 and play mat 12 system including a water mat play apparatus 20, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, in one example mode of use. The activity gym 10 and play mat 12 optionally comprise one or more (two are depicted) elevated support structures or arches 14, for supporting one or more suspended toys or entertainment elements 16 a distance above the play mat, for child interaction. The toys 16 may optionally be detachably coupled for removal (as for cleaning) or interchangeability.

In example embodiments, the play mat 12 may comprise a panel or shell of non-woven or woven fabric or flexible sheet material, such as for example a polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), cotton, or other synthetic or natural material(s), optionally containing a padded fill material, and further optionally having one or more external surfaces comprising or coated with a plastic or polymeric coating or surface protectant for resistance to soiling and ease of cleaning. The play mat 12 optionally comprises one or more surface areas incorporating hook-and-loop attachment compatible materials, for detachable engagement of the water mat play apparatus 20. In example embodiments, the elevated support structures or arches 14 may comprise flexible tubes or strips, for example fabric covered foam and/or resilient plastic or wire internal members. Ends of the elevated support structures or arches 14 may be permanently or detachably coupled to edges of the play mat 12, with middle portions of the arches flexed into arcuate positions spanning over and elevated above the play mat.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D show one example embodiment of the water mat play apparatus 20 in further detail. The water mat apparatus 20 comprises an exterior shell or housing defining at least one interior chamber or contained volume configured to be at least partially filled with water and/or other liquid(s). In example embodiments, the exterior shell preferably comprises an at least partially transparent top portion 30, formed for example from an at least partially transparent polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sheet or film or other material(s). The top portion 30 optionally includes one or more top panel (or foreground) stationary design elements 32 printed on or attached to one or both of its interior/bottom and/or exterior/top sides (for example aquatic, marine or nautical-themed stationary design elements, such as waves or other water features, beach scenes, fish and/or other aquatic animals, seashells, seaweed and/or other aquatic plants, coral, etc.). The exterior shell preferably further comprises an opaque or translucent bottom portion 34, formed for example from an at least partially opaque or translucent polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sheet or film or other material(s). The bottom portion 34 optionally also includes one or more bottom panel (or background) stationary design elements 36 printed on or attached to its interior or upper surface (for example aquatic, marine or nautical-themed design elements, including waves or other water features, beach scenes, fish and/or other aquatic animals, seashells, seaweed and/or other aquatic plants, coral, etc.). In this manner, the stationary design elements 32, 36 are visible to a user through the transparent top portion 30 from above and external of the water mat 20 during use. In alternate embodiments, both the top and bottom portions 30, 34 may be at least partially or fully transparent, optionally with stationary design elements applied on either or both of their interior and/or exterior surfaces. In particular examples, the top and/or bottom portions 30, 34 of the shell comprise flexible and/or elastic materials, whereby the sealed enclosure is compressible and resilient with the liquid contained therein, such that the overall enclosure moves in response to a child pressing on different parts of the enclosure. In further particular examples, the top and/or bottom portions 30, 34 of the shell comprise PVC sheet, film or panel material having a material thickness of between about 0.1 mm to about 0.5 mm, for example about 0.3 mm. The top portion 30 and bottom portion 34 may be integrally formed, co-molded, or joined together by adhesive, thermal or solvent welding, or otherwise, to form a liquid-tight, leakproof, sealed enclosure bounding the interior chamber or contained volume of the water mat 20. In further embodiments, the exterior shell of the water mat 20 may comprise other materials, thicknesses, components, or characteristics.

The exterior shell of the water mat 20 optionally further comprises one or more sections of hook-and-loop fastener material 40 applied to the exterior/bottom surface of the bottom portion 34 of the water mat 20, compatible for detachable coupling, attachment, or engagement of the water mat to the play mat 12. In example embodiments, the hook-and-loop fastener materials comprise a translucent baby Velcro™ material that is sufficiently soft to the touch to avoid irritation of a baby's skin. For example, a first attachment element comprising one of the hook or loop fastener materials may be applied to the water mat 20, and a second attachment element comprising the other of the loop or hook fastener material may be applied to the play mat. In alternate embodiments, the water mat 20 may be removably or permanently attached to the play mat 12 with other fasteners, coupling means or attachment means, such as for example, adhesives, tape, clips, snaps, straps, ties, magnets, etc. In example embodiments, the connection or attachment mechanism between the water mat 20 and the fabric mat 12 is stable enough to withstand a baby pushing and playing on the water mat, for example by provision of inter-engaging hook-and-loop fastener pads of about 5″ to 9″ long by about 2″ to 5″ wide, and in particular examples about 6.8″ long by about 3″ wide. In example embodiments, the water mat 20 and fabric mat 12 are also easy for an adult caregiver to remove from one another. In example embodiments, the attachment mechanism is soft, or safe, enough for the baby or infant user to contact safely when the two mats are used independently. The exterior shell of the water mat 20 preferably further comprises at least one liquid-fill valve 42, for allowing a user or adult caregiver to fill the interior chamber with water or other liquid from a faucet or other source. In example embodiments, the liquid-fill valve 42 comprises a transparent or opaque polyvinyl chloride (PVC) collapsible plastic valve having a fill/discharge opening with an integral or tethered closure cap allowing the user to selectively open and close the valve to fill or empty the interior chamber with water or other liquid when open, and to seal against discharge or leakage of liquid from the interior chamber when closed. In alternate embodiments, the water mat 20 can be prefilled with water or other liquid during manufacture, and permanently sealed closed without the need for a liquid-fill valve.

In example embodiments, the water mat 20 further comprises one or more mobile elements or floaters 50, positioned, contained and/or sealed within the interior chamber or contained volume of the exterior shell of the water mat. In particular example embodiments, the floaters 50 may comprise ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, for example having a thickness of about 3 mm-7 mm, and in particular examples a thickness of about 5 mm, and/or other material(s) of construction, and preferably have a density of less than or equal to the density of the liquid intended to fill the mat 20 (e.g., a density of less than or equal to about 1 g/cm³ when water is the intended fill liquid). The floaters 50 are preferably larger in at least two dimensions (e.g., length and width, but not necessarily thickness) than the opening of the liquid-fill valve 42 to prevent the floaters from escaping from the interior chamber of the water mat 20 when water is released. For example, if the liquid-fill valve 42 has an opening diameter of ½″, the floaters 50 will preferably have a length and a width both greater than ½″, for example at least about 1″, or optionally at least about 2″ to 3″. The floaters may be placed in the interior chamber during manufacture, for example prior to sealing the top and bottom portions 30, 34 to one another. Alternatively, the floaters 50 may be rolled up and inserted through the liquid-fill valve 42 and allowed to unroll back to a flat configuration under their internal resilience or shape memory once inside the interior chamber.

In example methods of use, the floaters 50 float or balance in equilibrium within the water contained within the exterior shell of the water mat 20 during use, and pressing on or moving the mat causes the floaters to move around within the contained volume of the exterior shell of the water mat. The floating movement of the floaters 50 relative to the stationary design elements 32, 36 and the overall mat 20 upon contact or interaction by a child user may entertain and/or assist in the child in learning and brain development related to cause-and-effect, buoyancy and/or motion principles, features of nautical life forms and their environment, sensory aspects of water (without the mess of spilled or splashed water from an open container or body of water), and/or different water play activities. Also, the very distinct differences in sensory feel, textures, resilience, temperatures, etc., between the water mat 20 and the play mat 12 may provide sensory stimulation and encourage exploration and learning about different textures, liquids compared to solids, etc. in a safe and mess-free environment. In example embodiments, the floaters 50 may be configured to share a common theme or motif with the stationary design elements 32, 36, for example also taking the form of aquatic, marine or nautical-themed elements such as a fish, a crab or crustacean, a sand dollar, a seahorse, a seashell or mollusk, etc. In some example embodiments, the floaters 50 may be configured in the form of an animal or other moving thing, and the stationary design elements 32, 36 may be configured in the form of a plant or other stationary or slowly moving thing. Optionally, the play mat 12, elevated support structures 14, and/or the suspended toys 16 may also be configured to share a common theme or motif with the stationary and/or mobile design elements.

FIG. 3 shows another example embodiment of a water mat play apparatus 120, which is substantially similar to the above-described embodiment with differences as noted. In this embodiment, the mat 120 comprises a central water-filled (or other liquid-filled) chamber 125, which is at least partially (and optionally fully) surrounded by a peripheral or annular air-filled chamber 135. The air chamber 135 may include an air-fill valve 137, such as a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) collapsible plastic valve having a fill/discharge opening with an integral or tethered closure cap allowing the user to selectively open and close the valve to fill or empty the air chamber by inflating with air or other fluid when open, and to seal against discharge or leakage of air from the air chamber when closed. In alternate embodiments, the air chamber 135 can be prefilled with air or other fluid during manufacture, and permanently sealed closed without the need for a fill valve. In further alternate embodiments, the peripheral chamber 135 may be filled with fluids, liquids, or gases other than air to provide different sensory experiences. Optionally, the peripheral air-filled chamber 135 may have one or more stationary design features printed thereon or fixedly attached thereto, and/or one or more mobile elements positioned movably therein or thereon, for example sharing a common theme or motif with the other design features, such as an aquatic, marine or nautical theme, such as a sandy beach, waves, etc.

In particular examples, the mat 20, 120 may have a length of between about 12″ to 24″, for example about 19″; a width of about 6″ to 14″, for example about 10″; and a thickness of about 1″ to 4″, for example about 2.5″—when filled, inflated or expanded. In further particular examples the peripheral air-filled chamber 135 of the mat 120 may have an annular width or thickness of about 1″ to 4″, for example about 2.5″. In some example embodiments the mat 120 has a generally convexly curved distal or front edge 143, a generally concavely curved proximal or back edge 145, and generally convexly curved first and second lateral side edges 147, 149, thereby forming a generally kidney-shaped overall mat configuration in plan view. Alternatively, one or both of the front, back and/or side edges may be generally linear, scalloped, or otherwise configured, for example to form a generally rectangular, square, circular, oval, or irregularly shaped overall mat configuration.

As shown in FIG. 4, the play mat system 200 can be disassembled by detaching the water mat 20, 120 from the play mat 12, emptying any water (and air if an air chamber is provided) from the water mat, and bending or coiling the support structures or arches 14. The components may optionally be packaged compactly for shipment or storage by arranging them in a box or carton 220 before or after use. The system 200 is assembled (or reassembled) by removing the components from the carton 220, filling the water mat 20, 120 with water, air and/or other fluid(s), placing the water mat on the play mat 12 or other supporting surface or structure, and optionally mounting the elevated support structures to the play mat and attaching the suspended toys thereon.

The water mat play apparatus 20, 120 may be used independently, or used together in combination with the activity gym 10 and play mat 12. The water mat play apparatus 20, 120 may also be used interchangeably in combination with different equipment or accessories at different stages of a child's development. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the water mat 20, 120 can be configured to fit within a tray 310 of a highchair 320, for example with a shape and size configured to closely conform to a recessed area of the tray and within a raised rim of the tray. One or more detachable coupling means may be provided for attachment of the water mat 20, 120 to the tray 310, or the water mat may be loosely or positively engaged with the tray by its weight alone and/or by closer or looser fitting engagement within the recessed area of the tray as desired. In some example embodiments or methods of use, the fit of the play mat 20, 120 within the tray 310 may be selectively controlled by varying the level of fill or inflation of the mat with water, air, and/or other fluid(s) to provide a looser or tighter fit within the tray.

While the invention has been described with reference to example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A children's play apparatus comprising: a sealed enclosure surrounding an internal chamber configured to contain a quantity of liquid therein, the sealed enclosure comprising at least one stationary design element; and at least one mobile element positioned within the internal chamber and configured to move relative to the sealed enclosure in response to interaction by a child playing with the play apparatus.
 2. The children's play apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one mobile element is configured to float within the quantity of liquid in the internal chamber.
 3. The children's play apparatus of claim 2, wherein the liquid is water, and wherein the at least one mobile element has a density of no more than about 1 g/cm³.
 4. The children's play apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one mobile element comprises ethylene vinyl acetate.
 5. The children's play apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sealed enclosure comprises a top portion and a bottom portion 34 joined in a liquid-tight, leakproof manner.
 6. The children's play apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a play mat configured to support the sealed enclosure thereon.
 7. The children's play apparatus of claim 6, further comprising attachment means for attaching the sealed enclosure to the play mat.
 8. The children's play apparatus of claim 7, wherein the attachment means comprises a hook-and-loop material.
 9. The children's play apparatus of claim 6, further comprising at least one elevated support structure for supporting at least one suspended entertainment element above the play mat.
 10. The children's play apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one stationary design element is printed on the sealed enclosure.
 11. The children's play apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one stationary design element and the at least one mobile element define a shared motif.
 12. The children's play apparatus of claim 11, wherein the shared motif is selected from an aquatic, marine or nautical-themed motif.
 13. The children's play apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one mobile element is configured in the form of an animal, and wherein the at least one stationary design element is configured in the form of a plant.
 14. The children's play apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sealed enclosure is configured to fit in conformance with a tray of a highchair.
 15. The children's play apparatus of claim 14, wherein the sealed enclosure has a generally convex front edge profile and a generally concave back edge profile.
 16. The children's play apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a peripheral chamber at least partially surrounding the internal chamber and configured to contain a quantity of air therein.
 17. A children's play apparatus having a generally convexly curved front edge profile and a generally concavely curved back edge profile configured to fit in conformance with a tray of a highchair, and further comprising means for attachment to a play mat.
 18. The children's play apparatus of claim 17, wherein the attachment means comprises a hook-and-loop material.
 19. The children's play apparatus of claim 17, further comprising an enclosure surrounding an internal chamber configured to contain a quantity of liquid sealed therein.
 20. The children's play apparatus of claim 19, further comprising at least one mobile element positioned within the internal chamber and configured to float within the quantity of liquid.
 21. The children's play apparatus of claim 20, wherein the at least one mobile element comprises ethylene vinyl acetate.
 22. A children's play apparatus comprising: a sealed enclosure surrounding an internal chamber configured to contain a quantity of liquid therein, the sealed enclosure comprising at least one stationary design element, and having a generally convexly curved front edge profile and a generally concavely curved back edge profile, and further comprising a first attachment element of a detachable coupling means; at least one mobile element positioned within the internal chamber and configured to float within the quantity of liquid in the internal chamber; a play mat configured to support the sealed enclosure thereon, and further comprising a second attachment element of the detachable coupling means cooperative with the first attachment element for removably coupling the sealed enclosure to the play mat; and at least one elevated support structure for supporting at least one suspended entertainment element above the play mat. 